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If your sprinkler heads have stopped functioning and you notice new, soggy patches of grass or soil along your sprinkler lines, you most likely have a leak. When attempting to fix it yourself, it’s important to maintain the integrity of your irrigation system by digging carefully and keeping dirt out of the pipes.

Find the Leak

The first item of business is to figure out where your pipe is leaking. You might be able to tell simply by seeing where soggy patches have been appearing on your lawn. If some of your sprinkler heads seem to have low pressure but you can’t tell where the problem is, place caps on all your heads to restrict water flow and turn on all sprinkler zones. Then, wait to see where water emerges through the soil.

Dig Down to the Line

Before you dig, shut off the sprinkler controller so no water can flow through the pipe while you are working. If you are growing lawn over the area, cut large square patches with a shovel and remove them with several inches of dirt clinging to roots so you can replace the sod later. Dig carefully down around the sprinkler, using a trowel if necessary, to avoid breaking the line further. Clean off the pipe and use clean tools when repairing.

Remove the Broken Pipe

Once you find the site of the leak, you have two options: you can either cut the line, or you can unscrew it. If it is a shorter piece in the line, you can unscrew it and remove it from the line. If it is a longer length of pipe, which is more likely, you’ll need to use a hacksaw to cut out the broken part. Remove the section of pipe around the site of the leak, at least 4 inches in length and up to 10 inches in length for larger breaks or holes.

Repair the Line

Once you remove the broken piece, it is important to ensure you don’t allow dirt or debris into the line, as it can clog sprinkler pipes and heads, so work carefully. Insert a new length of pipe into the break. Many hardware stores offer extendable pieces of pipe so you can insert them, then lengthen to fit once in place. If this isn’t an option, use a new length of pipe with a coupler on either end, attaching them to the old pipe with PVC primer and pipe cement.